10 Captivating Facts About Red Pandas
Did you know there’s a cute little creature called the red panda? These adorable mammals, also known as the lesser panda, inhabit the eastern Himalayas and southwestern China. The reddish-brown furry creature adorns white-lined ears and a cute ringed tail. But there’s more to these furry friends than just their looks.
Want to know more? Let’s dive into 10 fascinating facts about red pandas to uncover the secrets behind their charm.
10 Captivating Facts About Red Pandas
1: Red Pandas Were Discovered Before Giant Pandas
Red pandas were discovered and classified in 1825 as Ailurus fulgens (scientific name), long before giant pandas. Despite their common name and shared bamboo diet, red pandas and giant pandas are not closely related.
Red pandas belong to the unique family Ailuridae, while giant pandas are in the bear family, Ursidae. The name “panda” was later given to giant pandas due to some similarities with red pandas, making red pandas the original true pandas. The fact that red pandas were discovered before giant pandas emphasizes that red pandas are the “original pandas” and “first pandas.”
2: Red Pandas Have a “False Thumb” for Gripping Bamboo
Red pandas possess a unique anatomical feature, an enlarged wrist bone, often called a “false thumb” or “pseudo-thumb.” This specialized adaptation assists them in gripping bamboo stems and tree branches. Initially, it was believed that this trait evolved specifically for eating bamboo. However, a 2006 study uncovered that their more carnivorous ancestors also possessed this characteristic.
3: Baby Red Pandas, Known as Cubs, Are Born Blind and Helpless
One of the fascinating facts about red pandas is that baby red pandas are called cubs and are born blind and helpless. Their eyes open after a few weeks, and they depend heavily on their mother for at least 3-4 months. During the initial months, the cubs remain in their maternity den, entirely reliant on their mother for survival and care, until they start exploring outside their nest.
4: Red Pandas Eat Bamboo But Sometimes Consume Fruits, Insects, and Small Mammals
Red pandas primarily consume bamboo, which puts them on a tight energy budget for most of the year. However, they also forage for other foods such as roots, succulent grasses, fruits, insects, and grubs to supplement their diet. Occasionally, red pandas hunt and consume birds and small mammals. This diverse diet enables them to effectively manage their energy needs despite their heavy reliance on bamboo.
5: Red Pandas Were Recently Divided Into Two Species
Recently, red pandas were reclassified into two distinct species: the Himalayan red panda (A. f. fulgens) and the Chinese red panda (A. f. styani).
- The Himalayan red panda has a straighter profile, a lighter forehead, and ochre-tipped hairs on its lower back and rump.
- The Chinese red panda features a more curved forehead and sloping snout, a darker coat, a face with less white, and a tail with more distinct rings.
6: Red Pandas Are Skilled Climbers
Red pandas are exceptional climbers, spending most of their time in trees. Trees are their shelter, which aids in escaping predators and even sunbathing in winter. Their highly flexible ankles enable them to climb adeptly. Furthermore, the long, sharp, and semi-retractable claws add more to their climbing skills. These adaptations allow red pandas to descend tree trunks headfirst, showcasing their impressive climbing skills.
7: Red Pandas Are a Bit Larger Than Domestic Cats
Red pandas are indeed larger in size compared to domestic cats. Red pandas boast a bear-like body adorned with thick red-brown fur. These furry creatures typically reach a length of 20 to 25 inches, with a tail spanning 11 to 19 inches. They weigh between 6 and 14 lbs.
Comparatively, domestic cats typically measure around 18 inches in length, with a tail of 11 inches and an average weight ranging from 8 to 12 pounds.
8: They Have a Separate Genetic Family
Initially mistaken for a raccoon due to its ringed tail, the red panda was later thought to be related to bears. However, scientific research revealed that it belongs to a distinct genetic family—the Ailuridae. Classified and named Ailurus fulgens in 1825, the red panda is one of the most evolutionarily unique and globally endangered mammals.
9: Red Pandas’ Red Color Camouflages Them From Their Predators
Red pandas are small mammals that use their reddish coats and unique white face markings to blend seamlessly into the reddish-brown moss and white lichen found on trees in their mountainous forest habitats.
Spending a significant portion of their time in trees aids them in evading predators such as snow leopards. Furthermore, the black fur on their belly and legs enables them to camouflage against the dark foliage, providing additional protection against potential threats.
10: Red Pandas Are Endangered
Despite their endangered status, red pandas receive legal protection in countries such as India, Bhutan, China, Nepal, and Myanmar. These nations have implemented legal safeguards to ensure their preservation. The severe endangerment stems from habitat loss, human interference, and poaching. Studies show that red panda populations have dwindled over the past two decades by 40%, presenting a grave threat to their existence.
Conclusion
Red pandas are truly captivating creatures, boasting distinctive traits that distinguish them from other animals. From their discovery before giant pandas to their adorable appearance and remarkable climbing skills, there’s so much to admire about them. The aforementioned facts about red pandas provide in-depth insights into the world of these creatures and their endangerment status.
FAQs
What are 5 interesting facts about red pandas?
1. Red pandas were discovered before giant pandas.
2. They have a “false thumb” for gripping bamboo.
3. Baby red pandas are called cubs and are born blind and helpless.
4. They mainly eat bamboo but also consume fruits, insects, and small mammals.
5. Red pandas were recently divided into two species.
How long does a red panda live?
Red pandas may live as long as 23 years. However, they typically begin to show symptoms of aging around 12 to 14 years old.
How much do red pandas sleep?
Red pandas are known to sleep for up to 17 hours a day, mainly during the daytime.
How often do red pandas eat?
Red pandas spend 10-16 hours a day feeding, primarily on bamboo.
How old is the oldest red panda?
The oldest recorded red panda lived to be 24 years old, making Taylor the oldest known red panda.
Did red pandas go extinct?
No, red pandas are not extinct, but they are classified as endangered due to habitat loss, human interference, and poaching.